tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8785859730868628316.post6483565907908651014..comments2024-02-10T01:22:29.316-08:00Comments on Hugo Stiglitz Makes Movies: DVD Review: [Rec]Kevin J. Olsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17275402809912728035noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8785859730868628316.post-64639076547208122102009-05-15T16:07:00.000-07:002009-05-15T16:07:00.000-07:00Sam:
Thank you, sir. Horror, when done right, is...Sam:<br /><br />Thank you, sir. Horror, when done right, is such an exciting thing to talk about. I just sat back and enjoyed the ride that was [Rec]. It may not be as beautiful or even as poignant as The Descent (yes there are touching moments in that film, that ending especially), but it's a helluva good time, and really, I'm hoping Raimi's prodigal son like return to the genre this summer with Drag to Me Hell, will be another example of how much fun it can be to get the pants scared off of you.<br /><br />I'm awaiting two more zombie flicks from Netflix, one looks like a terrible Italian zombie film, which equals gold for me; and the other is Michel Soavi's Cemetery Man, which is actually supposed to be one of the best zombie films made. So, for the next couple of days it'll be all zombies for this blogger.<br /><br />I can't wait to see your thoughts on [Rec].Kevin J. Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17275402809912728035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8785859730868628316.post-81422370806672647932009-05-15T14:23:00.000-07:002009-05-15T14:23:00.000-07:00I am a huge fan of THE DESCENT, and I was preparin...I am a huge fan of THE DESCENT, and I was preparing to 'introduce' that until I saw you astutely brought it up yourself in that final paragraph, Kevin. I am also a lifelong advocate of 'horror that can't be seen but only imagined' and certainly your rightful acknowledgement of Val Lewton (CAT PEOPLE, I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE, THE LEOPARD MAN, and THE SEVENTH VICTIM ate the ones that fit into this sub-category as well as Tourneur's superb CURSE OF THE DEMON in 1958, which ironically is one of the few times where the studio-imposed 'creature' is probably more terrifying than anything anyone could imagine. But that is unusual. I am not a fan of THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT and I agree with Andrew Sarris when he asks: "Where is the suspense? Where is the involvement? Where is the identification?" This is a gimmick film, that overstays it's welcome, and it's so shoddily made that it can never be taken seriously. The worst part of all is that there have been countless imitations over the years, spawning a style that quickly lost its lustre. You mention THE STRANGERS. I agree that the first 45 minutes of that were highly effective, before it lost in the end.<br /><br /> As far as REC, which you inform here with this terrifically referenced review, I'll admit I haven't seen it, but based on your effusive praise I will certainly do so.<br /><br />I love the personal touch here Kevin:<br /><br />"The film is masterful at gradually building towards its tense moments. Moment after moment I found myself clenching tighter and tighter to whatever was around me: a pillow, a blanket, or just clinching my fist until my knuckles turned white. The compounding of such tense moments, until it is unleashed on the viewer like a rabid dog, is one of the great things about the film and what makes it such a unique experience. Horror is meant to scare you, yes, but it’s not just the act of jumping because something comes at you unrepentantly, it also is meant to exhilarate and thrill you, so that you don’t even realize you’ve been breathing until the very end."<br /><br />The proof will be in the pudding for me, but kudos on this exceedingly fine treatment.Sam Julianonoreply@blogger.com